I have never used Photomatix, but is that an intentional watermark or a trial-version watermark on phani_astronomy's pic? That pic got potential, it needs to be rotated. All the rooftops are leaning left.

if am not wrong then there are 3 Photomatix watermarks on the pic. Yes the trees are very close to the building. Infact they are so close almost most of the tree part is touching the building.. (This is the view from my Balcony towards east) and most of my photography experiments are done from here.

Here is another pic (its me in the pic) taken near Srisailam Dam located in A.P, India. I placed my 400D on the side wall and used a IR remote to capture this pic. Later used Photomatix for HDR!

I like that shot. I like the dam off in the distance. Its a good composition.

But there are a couple things that stand out to me. It looks as though you increased the brightness or exposure over yourself with a brush, which was kinda sloppy. The stairs behind you got painted over too. But if not, thats some serious haloing. And it looks like the hills in the background has it too. I could be wrong though. It could've just been brighter in that area on the stairs and water.

BTW: I'm sorry if I pick at things too much. They are great shots, I'm just looking for ways to help improve them. Don't get discouraged because of anything I say. I figured I'd tell you, cuz its hard to tell how people react to criticism in a forum.